We meet at locations which vary through the seasons depending on what wildlife is about. Whilst most of the sites we visit are fairly close to Peterborough, we do visit a few more distant sites up to about 35 miles away. Walks are sedate ambles at "birdwatching pace", none are particularly strenuous. Suitable clothing and footwear is essential for conditions on the day. You will need a pair of binoculars and a telescope will be useful at some of the larger sites. We are an informal, sociable group and beginners are welcome as well as experienced birders. Whilst we are mainly a birdwatching group, there are opportunities to see all other forms of flora and fauna.
Wednesday 7th October, Titchwell RSPB
Meet at Titchwell RSPB car park (
TF751437) at 10:30am on Tuesday 7th Oct. This is about 54 miles from Peterborough. To get there, follow the A47 east via Wisbech to King's Lynn and then take the A149 through Hunstanton, Holme and Thornham. The left turn into the reserve is about 400m after you leave Thornham village and has a brown sign to "Titchwell RSPB". It normally takes me about 1.5 hours, but can be more depending on traffic, especially around Wisbech and/or King's Lynn. Parking is free for RSPB members - show your membership card in the "Welcome hub". For non-members entry and parking is £8.
We will follow the path down to the beach (about a mile) and back, visiting the hides on the way. The path is good and flat. There are toilets (in the car park) and the visitor centre has a shop and cafe. We will aim to return to the visitor centre around 12:30-1pm, but people may want to get some lunch (possibly in the cafe) and then explore a bit more of the reserve.
The reserve has a series of habitats from carr woodland, reedbeds and freshwater pools, brackish lagoons, saltmarsh, dunes and the beach. This range of habitats means that a wide range of birds can be seen including lots of wildfowl, waders, gulls, etc including specialities like Bearded Tit, Bittern and Marsh Harrier. With migrants passing through and winter visitors arriving almost anything could turn up and this is a notable site for rarities!
Because it is quite a long way to go, it would make sense to share cars as much as possible, so I will attempt to put those who have spare spaces in touch with those who would like a lift.
Future meetings- Nov 4th, Eyebrook Reservoir
- Dec 2nd, Nene Washes, Eldernell
